Sunday, July 1, 2012

Dear God,

This morning I listened to the devotion being given on the television by a pastor sharing the story of Brother Lawrence.  Suddenly I remembered his influence on my life.  A spiritual warmth filled my soul as I realized there are some things that become so much a part of the human soul that we forget once they were separate from us.

Many years ago I was introduced to this man who was a brother in a monastery.  In his simple child-like faith, he wanted more than anything to praise you all day long.  In his daily chores washing pots and pans he practiced your presence believing you were there in the very room with him as he went about his normal routine of work.  All day long he spoke with you and listened to you, living in your presence, and loving you back with all he had.

The devotion this morning urged me to prepare my own worship service since it was too hot for me to leave the house for church.  What an exquisite, intimate, holy time we had, you and I.  The words of Isaiah leaped from the page speaking directly to my soul.  The music of John Michael Talbot that drenched my soul in hope and healing several years ago entered my spirit filling my eyes with tears, spilling down my cheeks in gratitude.  The offerings of Henri Nouwen in his journal entries of the final year of his life spoke volumes of faith and its deepest desire to express love to the Savior.  The holy communion, holding the bread as John Michael sang "I am the Bread of Life", I could not keep from weeping because my heart was so full of love and grateful thanksgiving.  An array of life-giving scenes appeared to me, moments during my lifetime when you touched my life, inspiring me to rise up as I listened to John Michael sing "Healer of My Soul".  How could I keep from praising you?

Today you filled my spiritual treasure box with heavenly gems.  You widened the expanse of my faith and gave me opportunity to express my love to you.  What more could I have possibly wanted?

Let me
bless you,
Wondrous God,
for every
gift and blessing
you have
given me.
Thank you
for quiet
time alone
with you
in worship.
Thank you
for your
generous kindness,
for your
loving comfort,
and spiritual wisdom.
Thank you
most of all
for your
incredible living presence
that pervades
the world
and even
the spot
on which
I live.
Thank you
for spirit love
that fills
every pore
of my being.
I will always
love you,
dearest friend.

Love, Andrea